Full State Funding for Missouri's Students

Ensuring that our children are able to access a world class educational opportunity should be Missouri's highest priority. Even in less than ideal economic times, our children should never shoulder the burden of tough budget decisions through cuts to their education. In his 2009 State of the State address, Governor Nixon stated, "Even in these difficult economic times, we must fully fund the education Foundation Formula. That is not negotiable." But, his position has changed and instead of funding education, Governor Nixon's proposed budget cuts K -- 12 education and higher education. In my opinion, Governor Nixon has chosen tax credits and tax diversions to big businesses over education.

In my continuing video series on keeping your state government spending accountable to you, I explain the Governor's cuts to K -- 12 education and higher education while providing bailouts for big businesses. You can view the video by visiting www.senate.mo.gov/multimedia/crowell/CrowellProposedBudget012610.wmv or you can also visit www.senate.mo.gov/crowell and click on the tax credit information link. This Web site also provides you with more information on the Governor's budget as well as up-to-date information during the legislative session on how government is spending your hard earned tax dollars.

The best economic plan for Missouri is to invest in a student's education; giving graduates every tool available to compete in our economy and keeping businesses in our state because of our quality work force. Cuts to education jeopardize our children's future. Missouri's priority should be in full funding of education.